7 MLB Players Making Trade Rumors Swirl

Snow may be blanketing much of the United States, but Arizona’s sunny skies have already welcomed the first Major League Baseball team to Spring Training 2014. That means teams had better scramble if they want to solidify weak spots and plug holes prior to Opening Day. As to be expected, trade rumors are swirling heavily around contenders and pretenders alike.

A quick glance at the field shows a glut of second basemen on the trading block while numerous free agent pitchers still don’t have job in 2014. Here are seven MLB trade targets worth notice in the run up to the 2014 MLB season.

1. David Price, Tampa Bay Rays

Why on earth would a low budget team trade one of the league’s top pitchers with two years left under club control? That’s how the Tampa Bay Rays do their business — developing great players and selling them at peak value. Dealing David Price would mean parting with their staff leader and primary option on the hill, but the return could be spectacular.

The 29-year-old Price is only one season removed from a 20-5, 2.56 ERA campaign that nabbed him AL Cy Young honors. At $14 million in salary arbitration, he’s a steal for any contender. Following the injury to Jeremy Hellickson, the price of Price will be even higher. While it’s easy to forget the Rays have a legitimate shot at winning the AL East in 2014, insiders like Ken Rosenthal point to Tampa’s financial situation as a reason why a trade could still make sense.